AllFreeNovel
Share Us
DEREK
Ihad no intention of making the act of taking my shirt off feel so seductive. But Willette was standing there, staring at me, and something in her eyes made it impossible for me to stop myself. I like the way she looks at me. I don’t think it’s lust, at least not purely and solely. It’s something else I can’t put my finger on.
Hawk runs the needle over my skin, sending pricks of delicious pain through my back. It’s true what they say; you really do become addicted to the feeling of being tattooed. It’s probably not smart to have the conversation about Will while he’s stabbing me, but I don’t really have a choice. She disappeared into the office a few moments ago and I don’t know how long I have before she comes back out. I definitely don’t want this conversation to happen in front of her.
“I gotta talk to you about something,” I start.
My brother is so laser focused, my statement doesn’t even make him pause. “What is it?”
“It’s about Willette,” I continue. “I’m…I asked her out on a date.”
Hawk’s tattoo gun stops buzzing for a moment as he dips it in more ink. “Hm.”
“That’s it? That’s all you have to say?Hm?” I grip the padding of the chair as he starts again.
“What made you decide to do that?” he asks.
For a moment, I don’t know what to say. I mull over his question for a few more moments. “I’m not sure. I just…I wanted to.” I swallow hard, not really satisfied with my own answer.
“Have you thought this through?” he asks.
“Not really,” I admit.
Hawk stops the gun again, this time letting out a heavy sigh, not immediately dipping the needle into ink. “Listen, you’re my brother. I’m notnoton your side. But Will, she’s important to me—just as important as you are. You know that. I don’t want to see her hurt. And you don’t exactly have the best track record.”
I can’t argue with him. His assessment is fair. His words ring true. “The last thing I want to do is hurt her. Or end up hurt.”
At that, he lets out a little laugh. “I seriously doubt you’d end up being the one hurt.”
“What makes you say that?” I ask.
My brother starts his gun again, dipping his machine into the ink. “No reason. Just a gut feeling.”
I consider this information. But I meant what I said. Idon’twant to hurt her. I’m not attempting some crazy grand gesture. It’s a date. We’ll see how it goes. No big deal. I hardly think one date warrants such serious conversations.
I let the hum in the air and the vibrations take over, closing my eyes and relaxing into the moment. I make every effort to push thoughts of later tonight from my mind. One step at a time. That’s how I’ll approach it.
* * *
Thank fuckI’m good friends with the managers at most of the good restaurants in town.Have you ever tried calling in last-minute reservations on a whim? I don’t recommend it.Luckily, after leaving the shop, inked and bandaged, I called up a former patient of mine. He also happens to own one of the best steakhouses in Louisville.
I asked Hawk for one more favor, to which he obliged. I didn’t want to go back to Willette’s apartment and have us both getting ready there at the same time. I felt like that might be a little awkward. So, I shot her a text to let her know I’d be at her door at seven, opting instead to prepare for the date at my brother’s place.
Apparently this was a good plan, because no sooner than I stepped into his loft had Drew flown out the door, her arms full of clothes, shoes, and makeup. She made every insinuation she was headed to Will’s apartment, and I smiled at the idea of Willette putting in so much effort, even if it is unnecessary. She could show up in jean shorts and a Nirvana T-shirt for all I care.
Hawk pours us both two fingers of vodka, handing me one. “In case you’re nervous,” he says.
“Thanks,” I say, taking a swig. “I’m not too nervous.”
“No?” he questions.
“Not really.” I shrug. “She’s easy to be around.”
My brother leans toward me over the counter. “Come on. Be straight with me.”
I shake my hands at my sides. “I mean, maybe a little, only because even though I know her, this is obviously very different. But I’m just trying to go with the flow.”
He raises his glass to his mouth as his eyebrows shoot up on his forehead. As if to say, “that’s more like it.”
